SUMMARY
- Gene Haas denied Guenther Steiner entry into the Haas F1 factory after terminating his contract
- Steiner expressed his feelings on Haas' rather harsh actions
The world of Formula 1 was shaken to its core this week after Haas announced the departure of Guenther Steiner from the post of team principal and the Italian did not hesitate to hit back. Until now, Steiner has been named as one of the most iconic team principals at the paddock.
With his witty comebacks and his passion for the sport that always showed itself during the races, the ex-team principal gained a huge following and soon became a popular “character” in Drive to Survive. Many fans mentioned watching the show only to get a glimpse of the Italian.
Nonetheless, with the 2024 season coming closer, more upsetting news followed after Mick Schumacher’s plans to join Le Mans and get away from Formula 1. While Gene Haas made it far clear that he had already decided the fate of Steiner, the now-former team boss was not done.
Guenther Steiner blasts Gene Haas after departure from Haas
Although Haas has had a bad season, it seems it is only taking turns for the worse as they let their team principal go and welcome Ayao Komatsu. While the sudden news shocked everyone, it was Gene Haas’ idea behind getting Steiner out of Haas and no contract renewal following as 2024 comes closer.
Although his beliefs were to see Haas higher on the ladders and not suffering at the back of the list, many knew Steiner to have put his heart, soul, and mind into the team to get it far ahead. Nonetheless, it seems that the decision to kick him out has not sat well with the Italian.
Guenther Steiner on not being able to say goodbye to the team:
“It stung but they all know me and they all know that I appreciate what they did.”
“It’s always best to say it to them, it would be nice to say, ‘hey guys, thanks for what you did for the team.”#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/To4O7z0z1h
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 13, 2024
After going through many tribulations this season, and gaining a P2 for the race at Canada, it seems Steiner was only left confused with his departure considering the rocky road that led to the team making a little progress this season. Although they got left behind by Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri.
Nonetheless, Steiner responded to the recent events saying, “It stung but they all know me and they all know that I appreciate what they did. It’s always best to say it to them, it would be nice to say, ‘Hey guys, thanks for what you did for the team.”
Although it was not his decision to leave Haas anytime soon, it looks like the decision was made for him with Gene Haas’ hopes to have a better outcome for the team in 2024.
Gene Haas gives his reasons for the sudden change
Although the fans have not been all that happy with the new change in Haas that sees Guenther Steiner no longer making his appearance on the paddock, Gene Haas believes he has fair reasons to bring this change to the team.
🚨 | Gene Haas insists further investment is not needed.
“There’s no reason why we are 10th.
“I can’t understand how, with all the equipment & people we have.”https://t.co/dvYyky3tg3
— formularacers (@formularacers_) January 11, 2024
Until now, Mick Schumacher had been the problem that left Haas to incur a huge loss, but with them moving into 2024, the blame has shifted to Steiner. Gene Haas said, “There’s no reason why we are 10th. I can’t understand how with all the equipment & people we have.”
Although he believes he does not want to blame the principal for anything, he does not find it logical enough to see Haas struggling on P10 in the Constructors Championship. With a wish to make a better impact with their results and a newer staff, Steiner will no longer be a part of the team.
